Through movies, we learned to call our lawyers when accused of a crime or questioned by the cops. Unfortunately, this is not a default response people have when faced with charges, especially for something they have not done.

In most cases, a member of the public, perhaps, the father, mother, girlfriend, wife or friend of the detainee will contact you by phone. This will be your first opportunity to gather the essential information you will need to prepare the case. Below, I have set out an extract from one of my preliminary interviews, so you know the questions you should ask.